3/4/2011 - D. Joseph, British Chess Magazine 1922

amazing puzzle. Great analysis by tranminhkhoi2 #40 explaining why the white queen moves Qg8 then Qe8 are the onlywinning moves (Qg8 Qa2 takes away Qg7, while Qf8?? allows Qa3 with Qd6 happening, the only check on the white king where he cannot move and give mate).

Good cleanup by sen_kwan #105 explaining why 1.bxa6?? b5!! is not a win for white, although in his hurry to prove a draw he misses 6... Qb8+! winning for black.

I am not or will ever be first. I like to be asleep at those times. And I will not be the first to rant about people who say first. And though they don't anounce that they are the first first complainer. derivative of first. you know they keep score. But, I lay claim to first to complain loudly about the first compainers. They are the ones that burn me up. AND I am therefore the First, second derivative of first. Yup the real, secret, purist's purpose of these Chess puzzles.

More chess.com members are falling foul of firstitis every day. Firstitis sufferers are compelled to post the word "first" on the daily puzzle forum for no good reason. See the first page of today's forum to see just how serious this is. Join the First Aid group and help us put an end to this terrible condition. We at First Aid are dedicated to understanding this increasingly common disease and helping those afflicted by it. Become a First Aider today. Let's make firstitis history...

In response to big_bald_n_beautiful : If Black takes the pawn when put in check, White will win the race to promote his remaining pawn, and Black is lost. By not taking the pawn and moving to b8, Black can at least try to force stalemate, knowing that, if he does promote his a-pawn immediately after White promotes his h-pawn, then Qh8xa1?? is stalemate. This is better than having no chance whatsoever! If Black can force an exchange of queens at any point, then the game is drawn.

I don't know why more people aren't concerned with how the king could have moved, unless I'm wrong. It is Checkmate, right? Right after blacks queen promotion white could have moved king out of his queens way, was wondering if anyone else sees this.

And it seems like white played a horrible endgame which ends in a stalemate.

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